Subaru Impreza WRX released
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5th May, 2014
Turbocharged technologies have combined in Subaru’s fourth generation WRX
to produce the best handling version, at its most competitive price ever.
WRX introduces a more responsive, fuel efficient new generation 197 Kilowatt FA Boxer engine, featuring Direct
Injection Turbocharged technology.
And for the first time in 10 years there is an auto WRX, featuring a paddle-shift Sport Lineartronic Continuously
Variable Transmission with the option of a manual mode with eight-speed shifting.
WRX manual lifts the gear count to six.
There has been an improvement in fuel efficiency, an interior upgrade and a lift in standard equipment levels.
Despite all the added technology and specification, the price of entry to WRX is less than when then original version
launched 20 years ago – from $38,990*. This means the new WRX is a $1,000 saving over the superseded entry-level model.
But value, performance and technology do not come at the price of safety.
In fact, it has a five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
It also received “good” pedestrian and whiplash ratings – and WRX’s overall ANCAP score of 35.85 out of a possible 37
makes it the highest ranking Subaru yet.
New WRX offers a new level of handling fun thanks to symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, fully re-tuned suspension, stiffened
structure, upgraded brakes, quicker steering ratio and Active Torque Vectoring.
Roomier inside, WRX introduces a new age of soft-touch high-quality interior surfaces, giving it a sophisticated yet
sporty cabin ambience. Entertainment is taken to a new level on Premium variants with the introduction of a harman
kardon® sound system, with Fujitsu Ten head unit.
Significantly greater use of high tensile steel produces both handling and safety benefits and combined with stiffer s
uspension, it means an even more thrilling WRX drive experience.
Push button start with smart key technology is also a new feature on WRX Premium.
Bigger brake rotors with greater fade resistance add to WRX’s famed sure-footed performance.
WRX maintains Subaru’s commitment to occupant safety, adding features including a driver’s knee airbag, reversing
camera and even better visibility, with wing mirrors located on the doors, reducing blind-spots.
New generation WRX is available as a sedan-only.
Subaru Australia predicts sales of 150 per month, which includes around 30 Lineartronic CVT variants.
EXTERIOR – AGGRESSIVE YET REFINED
New WRX has aggressive yet refined exterior styling with a sporty nose cone, LED headlights with halogen high-beam,
and LED rear lights.
Thinner A-pillars are moved forward at the base and wing mirrors relocated to the upper door to improve the driver’s
field of vision, while the physical mirror shell size is reduced for a sportier look.
Attention to detail includes the addition of a keyless access touch sensor. The door handle mechanism is also changed
to make operation easier.
For added convenience, door hinges are tilted forward, for lighter opening and easier access.
The rear door quarter window is integrated into the door, increasing access space.
A simple lip spoiler is used on the WRX boot, reducing weight and contributing to the lower coefficient of drag.
A colour coordinated shark fin radio antenna adds to WRX’s sport look.
New pattern alloy wheels offer aerodynamic efficiency benefits.
WRX Premium variants, feature an electronic sunroof with a 25 mm greater opening, yet the motor and frame provide a
0.4 kg weight saving.
Underneath, the large floor undercover is lowered 15 mm, aiding aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
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Colours
- Crystal Black Silica
- Crystal White pearl
- Dark Grey Metallic
- Galaxy Blue Silica
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Lightning Red
- WR Blue Pearl
INTERIOR – HIGH QUALITY AND SPACIOUS
New Impreza WRX has a completely new cabin that reflects its engineering credentials.
WRX’s wheelbase is increased by 25 mm to 2,650 mm, enabling a roomier, more comfortable cabin, which is also 15 mm
wider at 1,490 mm.
Cargo capacity is also significantly improved from the superseded sedan, up 40 litres to 460 litres.
Narrower A-pillars are moved forward 200 mm and small quarter windows added, while wing mirrors are relocated to the
doors, producing significant visibility improvements.
The lower instrument panel and shoulder line also aid visibility, together with the reversing camera, which is a new
standard across the WRX range.
There is glove box space for the equivalent of 16 compact discs.
The smaller diameter 369 mm D-shaped steering wheel has a thicker cross section and softer material, for a sporty
feel.
It includes Multi-Information Display, audio and cruise control switches and, in Sport Lineartronic CVT variants,
SI-Drive switches.
Enabling sportier shifting, manual WRX has an STI gear shift assembly.
Sport Seats
The sport front seats have larger bolsters with separate tilt-adjustable head restraints.
Driver’s seat lift has greater travel, up 20 mm to 60 mm.
Slide travel on both front seats is increased 24 mm to 240 mm.
Cloth-trim WRXs have high friction fabric, for additional grip, while the backrest is 60 mm taller.
WRX’s rear seats benefit from the 25 mm wheelbase increase, providing a roomier environment.
The hip point of rear-seat occupants is raised 20 mm, while retractable saddle-shaped head restraints minimise any
rear view obstruction.
Adding to WRX’s torsional rigidity, the rear seat side hinge is attached to both the body floor and side.
Front door armrests are longer and wider for added comfort, while sun visor vanity mirrors are now cloth-covered and
include lights.
The boot release is now electronic.
Insturments
WRX’s new soft-touch interior adds to the cabin’s quality ambience.
A Multi-Function Display (MFD) debuts in the upper centre of the instrument panel, for easy driver visibility,
providing a wide variety of colour information options including:
- Turbo boost pressure
- Audio
- Calendar
- Fuel economy
- Eco evaluation
- Active safety
- Clock
- Outside temperature
- Self check
- Passenger seatbelt warning
- Air conditioning status
- SRS airbag indicator
- Reversing camera screen
The MFD switch is centrally located so both driver and front passenger can switch between displays and change
setting.
WRX’s new instrument cluster has a three-dimensional look, while offering a new level of information to the
driver. The red lighting and white needles of the dual metallic-type surround gauges add to the sporty feel.
A 3.5-inch colour Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides a wide variety of information including:
- Driving time
- SI-Drive info (CVT-only)
- Digital speedometer
- Cruise
- Odometer, trip odometer
- Eco gauge
Entertainment
All WRX audio systems include USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
The standard WRX unit features a single CD with MP3/USB/AUX connectivity and six speakers.
It has Intelligent Tune technology, with voice image control, virtual bass and sound restore – moving vocals to
directly in front of occupants, without disrupting stereo balance.
Range-topping WRX Premium features an audio system with harman kardon® amplifier and nine speakers, including
subwoofer; plus integrated factory fitted satellite navigation screen.
Among the harman kardon® highlights are:
- 440W eight-channel DSP processor/amplifier and nine speakers
- Metal Matrix Diaphragm speakers (MMD), using a metal base in the speaker cones.
- Immediate sound with crystal clear high tones and less distortion in base tones
- Sound quality, sound field and vibration suppression tuned by harman kardon® engineers
- True sound reproduction 20Hz to 20KHz
- Distinctive bass sound quality fits car image
- Compensation for road noise based on vehicle speed information
- Mass damper added to vehicle body to suppress body vibration at high audio volumes
TECHNICAL
Steering
New WRX offers considerably sharper steering, with greater response and a more direct feel, all reflected in the
smaller diameter D-shaped steering wheel.
The electric power steering produces a natural feel, while also contributing to a tiny improvement in fuel
efficiency.
It has a quicker steering ratio of 14.5:1 while the gearbox mount bushings are 230 per cent stiffer.
Suspension
New WRX’s impressive handling is the product of multiple front and rear suspension changes that have produced a much
tighter package.
The front suspension features:
- Stiffened cross-members
- More rigid control arm bushings
- Thickened strut cylinders
- Stabiliser bar diameter up from 21 to 24 mm
- Higher spring rates (+39 per cent)
- Transverse link rear bushings 10 mm lower for improved agility
- Added stiffening plates to support front mounts for more linear handling response
- Front control arm plate thickened for reduced road noise and added rigidity
- AL lower arm with racing-type pillow ball bushing
- Lateral stiffness up 14 per cent
Rear suspension features:
- Stiffened sub frame and trailing link bushings
- Rear lateral outer bushings changed to racing-type pillow ball
- Stabilizer diameter up from 19 to 20 mm
- Stiffened springs (+62 per cent)
- Lowered rear sub frame front mounts for lateral links and 3 mm of initial toe-in added
- Added rear sub frame supports
- Shock mounts on rear lateral arms moved 10mm outward
- Lateral stiffness up 35 per cent
Body
New WRX has an overall stiffer structure, with increased use of high-strength steels.
While offering similar weight to the superseded model, it is significantly stronger.
It features a 9.0 per cent increase in use of 590 MPa steel, adds 980 MPa steel - representing 4.0 per cent of the
body - and hot stamp steel equaling 2.0 per cent.
There are significant structural reinforcements with broad benefits including:
- Torsional and bending rigidity increased for body stiffness and durability
- Front bulkhead and A-pillar joints
- Rear floor and rear apron joints
- Rear apron and rear panel joints
- Torsional rigidity up approximately 40 per cent
- Bending rigidity up approximately 30 per cent
Active Torque Vectoring System
This improves near-limit cornering performance by applying the brake to the inner front wheel and distributing torque
to the outer front wheel. This produces more neutral steering.
The difference between Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is that the latter monitors yaw rate and
controls each of the brakes in the event of over or understeer, for stable cornering.
Multi-Mode VDC System
This system offers drivers the ability to choose a mode to suit their situation.
For example:
Off Mode
- When trying to get out of slippery conditions, such as mud or snow
- Certain race track situations
Traction Mode
- Cancels VDC and Traction Control System (TCS)-only
- Torque Vectoring still active
- Effective on race tracks
WRX’s combined steering suspension, body and system changes combine to enhance handling.
FHI engineers benchmarked the best-in-class for emergency lane changes, producing a new WRX with:
- Improved tyre grip
- A more rigid chassis
- Improved VDC control
- Higher lateral acceleration limits
- Quicker and more linear response to steering inputs
- Increased turn-in, even in high-G situations
PERFORMANCE
Engine – More Responsive and Efficient
New WRX introduces the 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed FA-Series Direct Injection Turbocharged Boxer engine, also
adapted for the latest Forester XT.
This Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) unit produces 197 Kilowatts of power at 5,600 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque
between 2,400-5,200 rpm.
It features the Dual Active Valve Control System and a twin-scroll turbocharger for smooth power delivery.
The new engine is 11.5 per cent more fuel efficient and produces 13.8 per cent less carbondioxide than the superseded
2.5-litre unit.
Among the major advances:
- Stronger valve springs, compared to the Forester XT FA engine
- 25 per cent improvement in manual transmission version to 6,700 rpm redline (6,500 Sport CVT)
- Longer chain guide versus the Forester FA engine
- AVCS - expanded operation angle: enhances output and fuel efficiency
- Turbo mounted immediately under engine
- Emission and throttle response improvement
- Lighter weight exhaust system
- Adoption of roller rockers for valve actuation - reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency
- Plastic intake manifold reduces weight and improves airflow
The 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm bore x stroke achieves high power and environmental performance. In line with the larger bore
diameter, crank pins have also increased from 48 mm to 50 mm, combined with more rigid overall construction, limiting
high speed deformation.
Innovations include a hybrid coating applied to the piston skirts, to keep friction resistance down, contributing to
fuel efficiency.
Combustion chamber shape is also modified to better suit higher compression ratios and direct injection.
A tumble-promoting shape is used for the intake ports, while the piston crown is shaped to better maintain tumble
flow. This means stratified charge combustion is achieved during engine start-up and high-speed idling, and performance
is more uniform under high-load driving. Simultaneously high levels of exhaust and output performance are also achieved.
A metal partition is added to the intake ports, maximising Tumble Generator Valve (TGV) effect, also helping fuel
efficiency.
Locating the turbocharger under the engine aids catalyst heating, which helps lower emissions and produce better
throttle response. It also enables a more compact exhaust system.
A dedicated scavenger pump that operates independent of the engine lubrication system is added to recover oil
collected in the catcher tank.
Overall intake manifold weight is reduced through use of plastic. Air flow is improved and it is tuned for higher
output performance. The shaping of Exhaust Gas Regeneration (EGR) piping, integrated into the intake manifold, is
optimised to deliver gas in larger volume and more uniformly for each cylinder.
Exhaust
New WRX has an enhanced exhaust note, achieved by abolishing a cylinder chamber and shortening the inside pipe.
The exhaust system is designed to support the lower turbocharger position and the mount lay out. Both output and
emissions benefit from the larger catalytic converter volume. New air-fuel and oxygen sensors allow a higher degree of
accuracy in detecting gas concentration, making for less harmful exhaust gas. Sheet metal is used in the manifold to
reduce weight and heat capacity. Branch pipes are hydro-formed, to increase diameter.
Exhaust Gas Regeneration (EGR)
A special circuit has been added for cooling EGR gas. This means a larger amount of gas can be redirected and fuel
injection volumes kept low, achieving better fuel efficiency, reducing likelihood of knocking and bringing forward
injection timing, limiting any combustion fluctuation.
Tumble GenerationValves (TGV)
TGVs improve combustion efficiency, making vortices within the chambers. Ports and valve shapes are optimised,
enhancing output by limiting pressure loss on opening, while increasing swirl level on closure. This benefits both fuel
efficiency and exhaust gas emission.
Active Valve Control System (AVCS)
Intake/exhaust AVCS is more responsive to driving conditions, helping, output, efficiency and exhaust performance.
Intake AVCS adds a mechanical intermediate locking mechanism, significantly improving emissions at engine start-up.
Bottom Bypass Channel
A bottom bypass channel is added for faster engine warming on start-up. Oil temperature can be rapidly increased by
circulating coolant around a short path that passes through warm air in the engine’s bottom bypass. Therefore, friction
between moving parts is quickly reduced, aiding fuel efficiency.
Isolated Cooling Channels
New cooling circuits optimise coolant distribution to the heads.
Fuel efficiency is improved by reducing coolant flow volume, retaining higher oil temperatures at cylinder block
walls and lowering friction at the pistons.
Cooling flow rate at the heads is increased and better cooling achieved in the spark plug and injector area in
particular. This has made it possible to raise the knock limit, improving performance reliability and balancing high
output with excellent fuel efficiency.
Open-Deck Cylinder Block Design
Lowering the bottom of the water jacket in specific locations achieves the same block stiffness levels as a
semi-closed structure. In addition to preventing bore shape changes, this improves cooling around the deck surface
raising the knock limit.
Direct Injection (DI)
A new high-pressure fuel pump and piping are added to support the injection pressure associated with DI.
Driven by the left-hand intake camshaft, the high-pressure pump can pressurise the fuel to 15 MPa. Roller lifters
are used at contacts between the pump and camshafts, reducing friction. A pulsation damper in the pump reduces fuel
pressure fluctuations. The structure helps prevent fuel evaporation.
Multiple injection holes form a guide spray type injection, which together with the piston crown shape, produces an
ideal stratified charge combustion pattern.
A new high-precision combustion pressure sensor provides advanced control.
An injector drive unit is integrated in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) – a more compact and lighter design.
Vacuum Pump
The electrical vacuum pump reduces transmission system friction.
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs have high thermal value, equivalent to motor sport engines, to support high compression ratio and
output. Iridium used at both ends of the electrode boosts ignition energy, helping fuel efficiency and emissions.
Ignition Coil
WRX adopts an ignition coil connector with a locking mechanism, for even greater reliability.
Engine Control Unit (ECU)
The new generation lighter ECU includes a microprocessor aiding environmental performance, with precise control.
Acceleration response is improved through precise tuning of boost pressure control and other variables, raising engine
speeds.
Roller Rockers
Use of roller rockers in the valve operating system aids friction and fuel efficiency.
Rocker Arms
For improved noise and vibration performance, rocker arms are changed, the camshaft profile modified and in Sport
Lineartronic CVT variants, the spring load increased 15 per cent to adjust the rev limit to 6,500 rpm, while in the
manual transmission variants, spring load is increased 25 per cent, adjusting rev limit to 6,700 rpm.
High Strength Chains
Chains are strengthened via inside plates and joints, and the profile is modified too, reducing guide contact to
reduce friction. The chain guide is also lengthened to prevent crank sprocket wear and tooth damage from chain rattle at
low speeds.
Charge Control System
A new charge control system improves fuel efficiency by reducing engine load. It lowers voltage generated at idle and
constant speeds and raises it when decelerating. Power generation and distribution is more precise by changing the
electric current sensor to one capable of directly detecting battery status.
Oil Lever Switch
To help prevent engine damage, a warning light informs the driver when engine oil drops to a specific level.
Oil Filter
Oil filter height is lowered and the diameter enlarged, aiding filter performance.
Fuel System
The fuel tank is redesigned to eliminate wasted interior space. While it is smaller, capacity remains the same and it
is 2 kg lighter.
TRANSMISSIONS
Six-Speed Manual Transmission
WRX’s new six-speed manual transmission delivers light and quiet cable shifting.
It features a 12 per cent shorter shift stroke and carbon syncro on first and second gear.
Revised gear ratios provide a wider spread than the superseded five-speed, for improved economy and quieter highway
driving.
Sport Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
WRX’s new Sport CVT is based on the Forester XT unit and is optimised for the new engine’s high torque, delivering
smooth, fun driving, free of gear shift-shock.
For enthusiastic drivers, it features a Manual Mode, operated using paddle switches on the steering wheel.
Introduction of the Sport CVT has enabled the All-Wheel Drive system to be upgraded to the Variable Torque
Distribution (VTD) type.
SI-Drive
WRX automatic drivers can use three operation modes, using the Subaru Intelligent (SI) Drive system:
- Stepped shifting in I or S modes, depending on accelerator position
- S# (S-Sharp): eight-speed stepped shifting
SI-Drive Modes
I (Intelligent) - Provides smooth power output and improved fuel economy. Variable shift when accelerator
position less than 40 per cent. Stepped shifting when accelerator position greater than 40 per cent.
S (Sport) - Increases use of higher engine speeds for sporty driving. Variable shift when accelerator position
less than 30 per cent. Stepped shifting when accelerator position greater than 30 per cent.
S# (Sport Sharp) - Sharper throttle response and eight-speed close-ratio stepped shifting.
When using manual mode in “I” and “S” modes, six speed shifting is available.
For sportier driving, in “S#” mode, eight speed shifting is programmed, delivering a crisp driving experience
comparable to a close gear ratio.
Temporary manual mode is activated if the paddle shifts are operated while the shifter is still in “D”. When the
system detects the car is travelling at a constant speed, it automatically returns to “D” range.
The engine also supports standing starts in automatic transmission second gear, limiting the likelihood of wheel spin
on slippery surfaces such as snow.
Torque Converter
A damper suitable for the larger lock-up range of the Sport CVT aids fuel efficiency and the engine’s sporty tone. The
torque converter also helps standing start performance. A new twin damper absorbs fluctuations in engine torque for a
smoother, quieter ride.
CVTF Warmer
A CVTF warmer helps faster warming and fuel efficiency in cold conditions.
Sport Lineartronic Adative Control
Uphill/downhill - Gear ratio reduced based on slope angle to provide engine braking and added torque for
climbing.
Sudden accelerator release - In cases of sudden accelerator pedal release, the system prevents upshifting to
supply additional torque for engine braking.*
Braking control - When accelerating just after braking, the
system more quickly reduces the gear ratio so that sufficient braking torque will be available.*
Cornering control - Unnecessary shifting is suppressed during cornering (not operative in SI-Drive I-mode).
Rear Differential
A hydraulic pressure sensor replaces the previous switch, improving accuracy of differential oil temperature
detection, helping reliability.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
WRX’s “always on” AWD system features a Viscous Limited Slip Centre Differential in manual transmission variants and
Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) in sport Lineartronic CVT models, with rearward bias.
These efficient designs produce minimal powertrain losses and aid driving dynamics, regardless of road surface or
weather.
WRX AWD also offers added traction to get full capability from the chassis.
Wheels
WRX has 17 x 8J cast aluminium alloy wheels, with increased rigidity.
While the same weight as superseded wheels, they are 5.0 per cent more rigid and the aerodynamic design also helps
fuel efficiency.
Brakes
WRX has larger front brake rotors, up to 12.4 inches from the current 11.6 inches.
Thickness is also improved from 24 mm to 30 mm.
There is a 140 per cent improvement in fade resistance, thanks in part to the high-response booster.
The brakes produce a more solid and linear feel, with improved responsiveness.
Other changes include a larger one-inch master cylinder and a Brake Override System. This means priority is given to
the brake when the accelerator and brake are accidentally pressed simultaneously, improving safety.
Safety
Impreza WRX has a five star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
Among the safety features:
- Seven Airbags
- Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system
- Ring-shaped reinforcement frames around the cabin – protects occupants in event of heavy collision or roll-over
- Brake Assist and Brake Override (new)
- Driver’s side knee airbag (new)
- Wing mirrors relocated to doors, for enhanced visibility (new)
- Lower instrument panel and shoulder line + front quarter windows = better vision (new)
- Reversing camera
Lights
All WRXs features LED headlights, with light distribution increased around 35 per cent over the superseded model.
All variants have Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED rear lights, LED indicator lights - integrated into the side
mirrors – and front and rear fog lights.
“Welcome home” lights are also added, which operate by pulling the light stalk, once the ignition is switched off,
activating headlights to illuminate the area ahead of the car for up to 30 seconds - not automatic like many other
cars.
Subaru Impreza WRX MY15 Pricing*
| WRX sedan manual |
$38,990* |
| WRX sedan Lineartronic CVT |
$40,990* |
| WRX Premium sedan manual |
$43,990* |
| WRX Premium sedan Lineartronic CVT |
$45,990* |
NOTE:
* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as
on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are
the specifications.
E&OE.
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